'Reclaim the Stubland, Re-Establish Lost Social, Economic, Transportation

Celebrating 55 years of community service

Fall 2017

LAND USE / PLANNING EDUCATION OPEN SPACE / CONSERVATION NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY GOVERNMENT PARKS / RECREATION

Connecting Pasadena Project (CPP) prepares to move forward ‘Reclaim the stubland, re-establish lost social, economic, transportation benefits’

By Audrey O’Kelley For more than two years, Caltrans has released into the air through a north venting Director, WPRA operated a batch plant “work yard” in the building at Colorado Boulevard. stub. Adjacent to schools and Old Pasadena, it ifty years ago, the State seized a swath of Nearly all communities along the generates dirt, dust, noise and visual blight. valuable land in the center of Pasadena corridor intensified their opposition and Fand claimed thousands of people’s Tunnel plan emerges, said “Enough!,” and the No 710 Action properties in what has become known as “the elicits citizen response Committee went to work to educate people stub.” Beautiful neighborhoods, a bustling of the immense negative impacts of Metro’s In the early 2000s, Pasadenans learned about business district — all destroyed — to build proposed tunnels. It was a daunting task; a engineering studies being conducted along an extension of the SR-710 freeway. complicated issue. the original and long-disputed surface route. Through the decades the stub has divided the These studies yielded Metro’s proposed 4.9 Some criticized the No 710 campaign for City of Pasadena, carrying traffic that rushes mile SR-710 tunnel … a tunnel with no exits being too negative. People would say, “All we through it onto neighboring streets to and between El Sereno on the South and Old hear is ‘no.’ How about something positive?” from the I-210 and destinations to the south Pasadena on the north … a tunnel with no Or, the oft repeated “This has been going on — creating a de-facto mini freeway through venting within the 4.9 mile route … a tunnel forever, it’ll never happen.” west Pasadena. from which “scrubbed” fumes would be Continued on page 13

Revisioning “stubland.” This drawing, which was funded by the West Pasadena Residents’ Association, is a hypothetical rendition of a fully built- out scenario for the stub area in Pasadena. It illustrates the configuration and landscape of the proposed boulevard, other thoroughfares and parks, and varying sizes of developmental blocks, which are faithful representations of direction provided during the two community workshops held in 2014. NOTE: Any inference relating to development density in the rendering is for illustrative purposes only. Neither the WPRA nor the Connecting Pasadena Project representatives recommend a specific density or developmental mix. That will be determined by the community, in cooperation with the City. Rendering by Pasadena-based architectural firm, Moule & Polyzoides. WPRA IN MOTION

Raise your voice, share your vision for your city’s sake

By Kenyon Harbison mansionization, road opinions and vision, analyze and organize President, WPRA “diets” and how to those responses, and, finally, identify and manage our City’s determine the path forward. hope everyone had a wonderful summer. greatest resource — While we, in the Los Angeles area, suffered But none of this works without the continued the Arroyo Seco. I from the La Tuna brush fire, I am saddened involvement of citizens. That’s you. We need by the news from the Pacific Northwest, What results from to raise our voices and share our views. where fires have raged for much of the late these deliberations Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you summer. It’s particularly disheartening to will surely help are unsure about how to participate. There see that, as of this writing, the spectacular determine the shape Kenyon Harbison is always more work to do and your efforts Columbia River Gorge in Oregon is still on and character of our will matter. fire. That fire was started by teenagers lighting neighborhoods and our City’s fabric for At the same time (in case you are not aware), off fireworks in the wilderness, throwing them decades to come. Fortunately, we have “The the City anticipates significant budget into a gorge for “fun.” Such things make one Pasadena Way.” That is, while we are not shy shortfalls over the next few of years. As Mayor appreciate Pasadena’s efforts to limit the use of about speaking our minds, we strive to listen Terry Tornek stated in his “State of the City” fireworks, beautiful as they are. to each other with civility and respect. speech earlier this year, pension payment While they may pale by comparison with We volunteer our time to provide elected obligations rose 30% in 2016 and are projected forest fires, Pasadena has its own hot spots — officials and City and school staff with sound to rise 100% over the next five years. This is emotionally and fiscally charged issues and counsel by serving as members of dozens the result of many factors, including local challenges. In fact, I believe we stand at an of advisory commissions and committees. policy, but it is probably more the result of inflection point. Our elected representatives Additionally, we’ve recently witnessed the 1999 state legislation, SB 400, than it is of and citizen commissions and committees formation of a number of issue-focused anything else. The world seemed very sunny to are currently wrestling with several complex task forces — the Arroyo Advisory Group, the California State Legislature in 1999. (It did issues including short-term rentals, additional the Civic Center Community Task Force, to me as well.) dwelling units (so called “granny flats”), and Participate Pasadena — solely to collect Continued on page 3 About us

2017 – 2018 officers 2017 – 2018 board of directors President: Kenyon Harbison Geoffrey Baum, past president ([email protected]) Dan Beal Vice President: Avram Gold Bill Christian ([email protected]) Vince Farhat, past president The News is mailed each quarter to Treasurer: Blaine Cavena Sarah Gavit nearly 8,000 homes and businesses in the ([email protected]) Ken Grobecker 91105 and 91103 ZIP codes and beyond. Secretary: Justin Chapman Mic Hansen ([email protected]) Editor: Chuck Hudson ([email protected]) Land use, Planning ([email protected]) Joan Hearst Mission: Founded in 1962, the West Chuck Hudson ([email protected]) P. O. Box 50252 Pasadena Residents’ Association is dedicated to Communications Pasadena, CA 91115-0252 maintaining the character of our community and enhancing the quality of life in west Pasadena. Audrey O’Kelley, past president Catherine Stringer ([email protected]) The West Pasadena Residents’ Area: The WPRA service area is bounded on Education Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit the north by Colorado Boulevard, on the east by Fair Oaks Avenue and on the south and west by Priscilla Taylor public benefit corporation. the city limits. Bill Urban, past president The WPRA is grateful to Castle Press Funding: Nancy Walker All WPRA activities are funded for design and printing services. through membership dues and contributions. Gazelle Raye Wichner The WPRA receives no public funding and Fred Zepeda, past president ______has no paid employees. Since the WPRA is a Linda Zinn ([email protected]) Visit our website at wpra.net 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation, Membership, Open Space & contributions and donations are fully deductible Conservation Visit our Facebook page to the extent permitted by law.

The News 2 Fall 2017 The News 3 Fall 2017 BREAKING NEWS

BRIEFS City sales, use tax revenue rising slightly Caltrans tenants, our neighbors, Pasadena’s sales- and use-tax revenue from sales in the first quarter of 2017 deserve protection and consideration sales was 2.5% higher than in the same quarter of 2016. A solid quarter for autos and plumbing/electrical supplies Opinion were the primary contributors to the “Caltrans is kind of limping overall increase. Recent additions to the By Christopher Sutton along here with the process. restaurant group and higher fuel prices Attorney representing Caltrans They are not very well were also positive factors. The gains tenants in 710 corridor were partially offset by a decrease in equipped to deal with [it] receipts from grocers and most general altrans owns about 138 properties in consumer goods categories including Pasadena, including homes, multi- because they’re really not apparel, electronics and department Cunits and vacant lots. It owns roughly a housing agency. I think stores. One-time purchases have offset 80 in South Pasadena and 244 in El Sereno. what otherwise would have been a This totals 462 properties with 520 separate that there is still continued decline in business-industrial sales. units, many vacant. While mostly residential, the sites in Pasadena include Sequoyah confusion on their part about Receipts from the countywide allocation School, Cottage Co-Op Nursery, Ronald what they can do and when pool, which is composed of use tax McDonald House, community gardens and a and private party vehicle transactions few businesses. they can do it.” registered at the department of Motor Vehicles, out-of-state purchases, leases Between 1995 and 2006 Caltrans sold 37 – Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek, and on-site installation sales were residential properties to tenants and 11 to a Pasadena Now relatively flat. Pasadena generated 2.2% non-profit. In 2016 and this year, Caltrans of countywide taxable sales during the sold nine vacant lots to developers and two quarter and, therefore, received 2.2% of to South Pasadena for parks. Sales of another “The whole point of it is to the pool revenue. Adjusted for reporting 42 residential properties are in process: 33 in get Caltrans out of the anomalies, sales and use tax revenues South Pasadena, six in El Sereno and three in for all of LA County grew 2.1% over the Pasadena. That leaves about 421 properties. housing business as quickly comparable time period, while Southern Caltrans has implied the sale of these will as possible. This isn’t a California, as a whole, was up 2.0%. begin by early 2018, but Caltrans often changes its mind. new idea; everybody wants Pasadena sales- and use-tax revenue Four quarters; fiscal year to date In 1979, a law required Caltrans to sell Caltrans to sell the houses.” 2015-2016 2016-2017 “surplus residential properties,” with a Point of sale $30,152,902 $30,966,294 priority to tenants, and allowing lower prices – State Sen. Anthony Portantino, County pool 4,042,686 4,410,678 if a tenant’s income was below 150% of the Pasadena Now State pool 21,541 24,437 county average. Amendments have limited Gross receipts $34,218,128 $35,401,409 this “Roberti Law” to the 710 corridor and Sacramento and little money was returned to changed the sales process. Now, if sold at LA for maintenance. A de facto arrangement a reduced amount, a lien is placed on the evolved: Rents would not go up, but tenants property for the difference between the would do the maintenance. Caltrans stopped Raise your voice… “affordable price” and “fair market value.” paying for water and yard cleaning. When it is re-sold the lien is paid, but not In 2002, Caltrans convinced a federal court to Continued from page 2 to Caltrans. The funds go to the California delete the words “all properties shall remain Housing Finance Agency for housing At this point, there are no easy solutions. occupied” from the proposed injunction, programs near the 710 corridor. However, the budget predicament makes language that had been in the prior 1979 it all the more important for us to let our In the 1980s, Caltrans’ finances were injunction. This deletion left Caltrans’ LA City and school district leaders know what squeezed. This led to a cutback in office free to raise rents sharply, do even we treasure most, and what we believe we maintenance funds. Caltrans’ LA office now less maintenance to encourage tenants into cannot afford to lose or cheapen. I hope that saw 710 properties as burdens since tenants leaving. Caltrans-LA recently has filed many you will make your voices heard. paid their rent (over $500,000 each month) to Continued on page 14

The News 2 Fall 2017 The News 3 Fall 2017 LAND USE / PLANNING

PH’s ‘Participate Pasadena’ takes city’s pulse

By Sue Mossman Executive Director Pasadena Heritage

Participate Pasadena eginning with a community meeting on September 19, Pasadena Heritage Bhas begun reaching out to residents to determine what they care most about and how they would like to be more involved in decisions affecting the future of Pasadena. The initiative is called Participate Pasadena, and more than 100 people attended the kick‑off event.

The meeting opened with a brief summary are so abundant that Pasadena Heritage has which set forth this north-south axis as a key that touched on many of the built- been able to draw large crowds to explore element of the Civic Center plan. environment issues happening now, and learn about the American Arts & Crafts The concepts presented to the Design including major new development, open Movement, Pasadena style, for 26 consecutive Commission reflected the many discussions space, mansionization, Specific Plans and years! The 2017 Craftsman Weekend takes among Pasadena Heritage, the owners more. Attendees then broke into smaller place October 26–29 with tours, talks, and their design team, which focused on groups for discussion to record their walks and an exhibition at the Pasadena protecting the north-south view corridor, questions, concerns and points of view. Convention Center. This year the program while adding new activity and refreshing the focuses on Greene & Greene, in honor of A city-wide survey has been created to gather look. Pasadena Heritage is encouraged with the organization’s 40th anniversary and more input, and results will be summarized the progress on this important project. for Pasadena Heritage to consider when all its connections to the architect brothers designing future programs and to present to and their work through the years. For more Space Bank property moves City Council, the Planning Commission and information or to purchase tickets, visit toward redevelopment pasadenaheritage.org. other decision-makers. A large complex of buildings on East Foothill To contribute your views, complete an Design Commission reviews Boulevard (north of I-210, east of Madre online survey: surveymonkey.com/r/ Paseo improvements Boulevard and west of Rosemead Boulevard), occupied for many years by Space Bank and SDJ7YSX. Paseo Colorado’s revitalization, under new used for self-storage, may soon be under For more information, visit ownership, is moving forward with new construction. The property will require pasadenaheritage.org/participate. tenants slated for ground-floor retail spaces extensive toxic clean-up before a 500-unit in the coming year. The challenges facing 40th anniversary celebration and housing project could be built, a project that shopping centers and their survival in the Craftsman Weekend set for October has been under consideration for nearly expanding world of e-commerce makes this a decade. Pasadena Heritage’s 40th anniversary year redo essential to the Paseo’s future. continues to unfold, with multiple monthly Recently called upon to help determine how An informational presentation at the Design programs and a major celebration on best to memorialize the site’s history as a Commission in August highlighted concepts October 7. The “40 Years” party included Navy installation for top-secret weapons for enlivening the Garfield Promenade, while about 300 guests for cocktails and dinner development and testing, Pasadena Heritage protecting the street-like passage between at the original Exhibition Hall behind the has been pleased to offer recommendations to Green Street and Colorado Boulevard. This historic Civic Auditorium. preserve key artifacts still extant and showcase link from the Civic Auditorium to City Hall, them within the new housing complex. Pasadena’s collection of Craftsman-era Centennial Plaza and the Central Library is architecture is extraordinary, and examples integral to the Beaux-Arts 1925 Bennett Plan Continued on page 14

The News 4 Fall 2017 The News 5 Fall 2017 LAND USE / PLANNING LAND USE / PLANNING

PDA forms Specific Plan City DoT focuses on safety, but advisory committee won’t put SOG on a “road diet” By Dan Beal Director, WPRA By Dan Beal on the east side of SOG, which is confusing to Director, WPRA motorists and pedestrians alike. City staff are The Pasadena Playhouse, one of the city’s also exploring other improvements including treasures and the official State Theater asadena’s Department of Transportation, signal modifications and radar speed of California, has had its ups and downs as part of a study to identify ways advisory signs. over the last several decades, but its Pto improve traffic and pedestrian recent direction is decidedly up. The safety, has formed a South Orange Grove A SOG “road diet,” which had been reason for the upturn includes dynamic (SOG) Boulevard Complete Street Working considered in the past, is no longer on the management, a committed Board, and a Group composed of area residents to table. Rich Dilluvio of the Pasadena DOT growing and changing community. review proposals. advises that the City will not consider road diets for streets that carry more than about Another reason is a new planning effort One idea being explored is curb extensions 15,000 vehicles per day. South Orange Grove that has emerged from the City’s 2015 along the north-south portions of averages between about 21,000 to 25,000 General Plan update, which, in turn, intersections, on the side streets — essentially vehicles per day, too many to force into two generated new, more detailed planning a “squaring off” or bumping out the rounded lanes instead of the current four. efforts in several “Specific Plan” areas, curbs at the intersections. This would shorten including the Central District, the City’s the curb-to-curb distance a pedestrian has to Road diets typically call for elimination of a business and cultural heart, which walk, making it safer to cross the street, and traffic lane in each direction to make room for includes the Playhouse District. also calming traffic by slowing the speed of a center turn lane and bicycle lanes. This idea has been the source of resident objection in The Playhouse District Association vehicles making turns onto and off of Orange many places, such as Vista del Mar in west Los (PDA) Board of Directors, which Grove. Similar improvements are planned for Angeles, where traffic delays, accidents and governs the Playhouse’s operations, Avenue 64 and North Hill Avenue. lawsuits forced the city to undo the road diet formed a Specific Plan Advisory Also being considered is reconfiguration of and recall petitions circulated against some Committee to “…explore issues and the awkward pedestrian crossing of California elected officials. opportunities related to the City’s update to the Central District Specific Plan.” Within that broad directive, the Committee will explore a wide variety City Council to review of opportunities and issues. These may include historic structures, access and EdTech’s STR regulations parking, development and regulation, business and cultural opportunities, By Dan Beal City Council’s Economic Development and and public and open-space areas. The Director, WPRA Technology (EdTech) Committee in June 2017 Committee will also engage the local or over a year, the City of Pasadena proposed STR regulations that would permit and broader Pasadena communities, has been wrestling with the issue of hosted and un-hosted rentals, but prohibit identify and engage the District’s assets, short-term rentals (STRs), a topic that vacation rentals throughout the city (although and integrate the District’s historic fabric F has caused fierce debates and a variety of these types of rentals could be evaluated with new trends in art and culture. Early regulatory schemes in many parts of the under a pilot program). Additionally, the goals include assessing the District’s nation and around the world. A number proposed regulations would limit occupancy accomplishments to date and developing of commercial “platforms” such as Airbnb and the number of rentals by an owner; an overall vision and strategy for the effort. have sprung up to help advertise and prohibit commercial events; ban street The Committee consists of about 25 facilitate STRs. parking and signage; and require permits, members representing property owners business licenses, local contacts, inspections, STRs are residential property rentals of fewer and tenants in the District, residents and payment of the City’s Transient than 30 days and generally come in three flavors: and other Pasadena stakeholders, City Occupancy Tax (also levied against hotels, staff, and the Playhouse District Board Hosted stay: the property owner is present motels and B&Bs), among other provisions. in the home during rental and staff. Meetings are open to the A recent WPRA survey of our residents, public, and public outreach sessions are Un-hosted stay: the owner is not present which yielded almost 600 responses, was being planned. during the rental, but lives in the home the overwhelmingly in favor of regulation of STRs For more information on the rest of the time (detailed results of the survey are available Playhouse and the Association, visit Vacation rental: the owner does not live in on-line at wpra.net). playhousedistrict.org. the property.

The News 4 Fall 2017 The News 5 Fall 2017 LAND USE / PLANNING

Arroyo Advisory Group outreach is underway

By Mic Hansen Pasadenans will want to complete. The Community members are invited to walk Director, Planning and results from this survey will help AAG in the Arroyo, speak with Arroyo experts, Land Use Chair, WPRA to more thoroughly and accurately gauge and visit the “homes” of stakeholders such community’s perceptions and priorities as Kidspace, the Casting Club and Rosebowl ince its inception in January of this for the Arroyo. Riders. Up-to-date information about this year, the Arroyo Advisory Group The Projects and Priorities committee exciting day‘s schedule and logistics will be (AAG) has been making steady S meanwhile was busy taking stock of all the available on the website: OneArroyo.org progress to fulfill its charge of unifying and natural and built attributes that comprise caring for the incomparable Pasadena treasure The AAG appreciates hearing from the Arroyo. Initial project evaluation that is the Arroyo Seco. community members, and with community criteria were established to identify input will try to realize an achievable and Led by our former Mayor Bill Bogaard projects and programming consistent sensitive outcome for this unique and and longtime west Pasadena resident and with community needs, priorities, and precious natural resource. After three Rose Bowl Operating Company (RBOC) wishes. With three separate Master Plans months of receiving both organized and ad Board member Doug Kranwinkle, the (Hahamongna or Upper Arroyo, Central hoc feedback from community members, 20 community members, supported by Arroyo, and the Lower Arroyo) already some general themes have begun to emerge: consultants as well as City staff, have had in place, it was a challenge to determine numerous meetings and discussions to the best route to take to unify and care The concept of OneArroyo is welcome ensure that their work will coincide with and for the Arroyo, always bearing in mind and needs to be better understood. respond to the community’s vision. and respecting its historic importance, The variety of activities and users of the and its irreplaceable natural environment Arroyo are indeed vast, and many want During the initial phase, AAG established that needs maintenance, care, and careful to be informed and engaged with this an organizational structure and conducted stewardship. initiative. initial community outreach. Four Committees were formed to move the effort forward. Although the City of Pasadena staff has Community members throughout the city been diligent in identifying some $80 and from all generations want to preserve The Visioning committee — after million in capital improvements needed and protect the natural environment: multiple deliberations and consultation for the Arroyo, the available funds that the beauty, flora, fauna and the natural — put forth a draft vision, which, based have been approved in the City’s Capital integrity of the Arroyo for now and for the on community input, will continue to be Improvement Program budget are but a future. refined and reframed: small fraction of that total. A single, end-to-end trail system is very “Pasadena’s great outdoor space, the great The Finance committee is charged desirable and will do much to enhance the Arroyo Seco, will become OneArroyo. with the daunting responsibility of usability and the unification of the Arroyo. From the headwaters in the North to the raising funds not only to close the gap, Addition of new structures, facilities, and tributary waters in the South, its natural but also to assure long-term financial activities that may result in increases in habitats, resources, and historic sites will sustainability. Comprised of experts in users, traffic, and noise is not supported by be preserved, enhanced, and connected by the financial arena, this committee is Arroyo area neighbors . an extraordinary end-to-end trail system looking into funding from a variety of Perceptions about the Arroyo are not all anchored by a central hub.” sources, including grants, corporations, markedly different between young and The Outreach and Engagement public-private partnerships, government, not-so-young stakeholders, users, and the committee began its “listening” phase individuals, and rents and fees. community in general. with a city-wide presentation and feedback On July 16, the co-chairs made a Community members are interested in session held at the Pasadena Conference presentation to City Council detailing being kept continually informed about the Center on July 25. Prior to that rollout, progress of the AAG. The next presentation work of the AAG and its progress. several preliminary neighborhood to the Council will most likely occur early As the initiative moves forward, it’s meetings were held. Co-chairs Bogaard next year. In the meantime, community important that the community actively make and Kranwinkle — along with AAG outreach continues. Mayor Tornek has their voices heard. Bearing in mind that member Don Hahn, Arroyo resident, graciously agreed to conduct walks in the the Arroyo Advisory Group is just that — artist, and filmmaker extraordinaire Arroyo with small groups of interested advisory — and that the City Council is the — presented an initial version of the community members. Dates and locations decision-making body; it is invaluable that OneArroyo Concept, all the while making of start points can be found on the dedicated community members speak up. it clear that the work product will reflect new website: OneArroyo.org the community’s needs, preferences, Please click on the following link to send in and their vision for the future. A survey Please also mark your calendars to your comments: is being developed that we hope all participate in OneArroyo Day, November 18. onearroyo.org/registration-1/

The News 6 Fall 2017 The News 7 Fall 2017 LAND USE / PLANNING LAND USE / PLANNING

Looking south from Colorado Boulevard along Garfield Promenade (artist’s rendering)

Looking north from Green Street along Garfield Promenade (artist’s rendering)

Paseo undergoes transformation, gets new owner, name

By Mic Hansen envisioned when the concept of the Civic blocks and give the current large structures Director, WPRA Center was first conceived. less of a big-block feel.

aseo Colorado has once again changed Initially, Arrow Retail had planned to place At the other end of the Paseo, where hands and is undergoing alterations and large trees and permanent fixtures into Macy’s was, demolition is complete, the Pmodification. The new owner, Arrow the area, but Pasadena Heritage and other ceremonial groundbreaking was conducted, Retail, has shortened the name of the complex community members objected because these and construction has begun for a new six- to The Paseo, is restoring the Garfield would obstruct the protected view corridor. story, 186-room Hyatt hotel, Hyatt Hotel Promenade and intends to create a stronger After multiple meetings and negotiations Pasadena, (Cunningham Group) and a pedestrian focus around the central fountain. (between Pasadena Heritage and Gonzalez mixed-use residential building (Gonzales Goodale Architects and Korn Randolph Goodale Architects). The hotel will face Among the incoming tenants on the Garfield Landscape Architects) the plan was revised Green Street and the residential building will Promenade are two new restaurants, Great to add palm trees and shaded seating, and face Colorado, with retail/restaurant on the Maple and Dos Coyotes Border Cafe, with to preserve the protected view corridor first level. outdoor dining areas and a 30,000 square between the Central Library and the Civic The Design Commission has already foot H&M retail store, which is relocating Auditorium. Some of the additions to the approved the residential building and hotel from Old Pasadena. area will not be permanent, to make removal as well as concept design for the Garfield easier in case of view obstruction. When Plaza Pasadena was demolished and Promenade portion. Final design review replaced by the new Paseo Colorado, the Facades of the buildings will also be updated approval for the Promenade is expected Garfield Promenade, which is part of the to create visual diversity that will have a at the end of this calendar year, with Civic Center National Register District, was look more in keeping with Old Pasadena. rehabilitation and remodeling expected to reopened to restore the originally intended Additionally, more varied and individualized begin early in 2018. unobstructed views that the Bennett Plan storefronts will help separate current tall

The News 6 Fall 2017 The News 7 Fall 2017 THE WPRA HONOR ROLL A thank-you to our donor-members!

The WPRA appreciates the financial support of all those who join or contribute to our effort. The membership donations listed below include the names of all those who contributed $100 or more between August 1, 2016 and July 31, 2017. If your name is not listed or is not listed correctly, please contact me. We thank you for your support. Note: We have changed our donation tracking process. If you are listed incorrectly, or not listed when you should be, please accept our apologies and let us know so we can correct our records. As always, thank you for your generous support. Linda Zinn, Membership chair, [email protected]

To make it easier to help fund the WPRA services and initiatives, we have enclosed an envelope within this issue. Just insert (1) the completed form on the envelope flap and (2) a check (made out to WPRA) into the pre-addressed envelope, add a stamp and mail it. You may also donate using your credit card by visiting wpra.net and clicking on EZ Donate in the upper left corner of our home page. West Pasadena Residents’ Association is a 501(c) (3) non-profit public benefit corporation. Memberships and donations are deductible to the extent allowed by law. Platinum

Anonymous (1) Mrs. Joseph Herron Steve Madison George Sugimoto William J. Barney Chuck and Jody Hudson, and David Minning and Christopher Sutton Fred and Diane Blum The Capital Group Companies Diane Wittenberg Joe and Emily Viola Bob and Kathy Gillespie Charitable Group Foundation Steve and Kay Onderdonk Carl and Peggy West Donald and Taylor Hall Thomas and Marilyn Johnston Alfred and Jeanne Paiz Randy and Judy Wilson Robert F. Koch Charles and Eileen Read

Benefactor

Anonymous (2) Joel S. Edstrom and Mitchell Kauffman and Earl Pruess and Pat Lile William M. and Susan Bauman Margaret Adams Joanne Moran KB Schwarzenbach Scott and Barbara Bice Barney and Courtney Evans Jim and Jean Keatley Dorothy M. Scully Pasadena Community Foundation Frank Falzetta Edward Kleinbard Jerry and Donna Secundy Vern and Marsha Bohr Dave and Chris Farguson Doug and Susan Kranwinkle John and Linda Seiter Benjamin and Amelia Bradford Vince and Betsy Farhat Mark and Phaedra Ledbetter Wayne and Lynn Semain Sheldon and Annette Bull Martha Fitzpatrick Janet and Jeff Leitzinger Annette Serrurier Castlegate Homeowners Anita Freeman Gail Lovejoy Chuck and Sarah Steidel Association Sarah Gavit and Andre de Salis Eileen Ma Greg Stone and Cindy Vail Bill Christian and Barbara Rob and Beth Hansen Joyce McGilvray Pamela Stumbaugh Zimmermann Rob and Beth Hansen c/o Adolfo and Isabel Méndez William and Susan Tully Richard and Jinny Dalbeck Fishburn Family Foundation Charles G. Morse James and Dominique Wyatt David and Holly Davis The Hilliard Family Tom and Mariann Nolan David and Cater Yost Robert and Kira DeBlasis Gary and Pris Hoecker Gordon J. Pashgian Fred Zepeda Kerry K.G. Donovan Peter Jensen and Mary George and Judy Penner Linda Zinn Jon Dudley and Colleen Williams Ann McGovern Dick and Jill Polsby

Patron

Anonymous (14) Gene and Liz Baldridge Michael and Mary Ann Bernath Timothy Butler and Robert Morris, MD Charlotte Acret Rebecca Bales David and Keiki Bianchi J.S. Cahill Paul and Allison Alanis Bert and Darrell Banta Robert Bishop California Hotel Hospitality Services Lawanda Allee Mark and Cheryl Baratta Jack and Lasley Biven Walter and Ruth Chameides W. Reid and Katherine Allen Michael and Janice Barker Jim and Joan Bolton Teresa Cheung Ms. Grace Anderson Richard Barkhurst and Katy Plumb Richard and Myra Booker Chuck and Janet Chillingworth John and Barbara Anglin Dan and Laura Beal John and Mary Anne Borovicka Mr. and Mrs. Gus Christopoulos Rose Bowl Aquatics Center Edmund and Aida Bedrosian Shirley Botsford Al and Sue Clark David Arnay and Jill Ganon Bob and Louise Beggs Bryon and Mary Ann Boyer David and Angelica Clark Norman and Anna Arnheim Martyn Belmont John and Louise Brinsley Edward E. Clark Cheryl Auger Cynthia Bennett and Ed de Beixedon George and Marilyn Brumder Stephen Clauser Bruce and Judy Bailey Chris Benter James Buese Bill Cockrum and Rita Whitney Charles Bakaly Cynthia Benton Velton and Tina Bunch David and Susan Codiga John Baldeschwieler and Joan and Gerry Bergman Rod and Toni Burgoyne Robin Colman and Cheryl Bode Marlene Konnar Catherine Berman Frank J. Burkard, Jr. Allan and Terri Comstock

The News 8 Fall 2017 The News 9 Fall 2017 THE WPRA HONOR ROLL

Michael and Susan Connell Kathleen Grzegorek Marguerite Marsh John and Susan Schmid Herbert and Francine Cooper Heather and Hank Haldeman Howard and Ilene Marshall Joshua and Juli Schneiderman Mary Coquillard Larry Hall John and Patricia Martin Jason and Colleen Schwab George Corey and Eugenie Schlueter Michael and Megan Hamilton Paul and Linda Maurin Norman Schwartz Noel and Emily Corngold Kenyon Harbison and Caitlin Wheeler Bill and Pat May Fred Schwarzenbach and Leslie Prussia Michael and Diane Cornwell Jim and Tina Hart David and Carlin McCarthy Gerald Schwarzenbach Bob and Diane Coyer Wayne and Joanna Hartigan Bill and Nancy McDonald Thomas Seifert and Dianne Philibosian Charlie Craig and Donna Furey Warren and Kyra Haussler Stephen and Judith McDonald Dr. Anthony and Iris Shaw Margaret T. Cunningham Mary Hayden and Carla Tomaso Delford McGee Kathleen Shields Wendy Currier Joan Hearst Mel and Marcia Means Mike and Jill Sigler Elliott and Ann Cutting Richard Henderson Kay Meihaus Norri and Betty Sirri James and Frances Cutts Phyllis and Michael Hennigan William Meurer Richard and Marie-Christine Slater John and Anne David Curt and Christine Hessler Carolyn L. Miller Jim and Judy Spencer John G Davies Sue Holliday John and Juli Miller Jim and Sandy Stadtler Cheryl Davis Robert C. and Mary Fauvre Holmes Louisa N. Miller The Steiman Family Robert and Marlene Decker James F. Hopkins Walter Mix Michael Stevens and Melina Root Tim and Gay Degani Donald and Lisa Horning Family of George E. Moore Nancy Stimson Bill and Martha Denzel Philip and Ann Howlett Robert and Lindsay Morales Walter Summer Deping DeQuattro Andrew and Mariko Hsu Norah Morley and Anthony Koerner Edmund Sutro Roxanne Christ DeWitt Ralph and Linda Hubbard Lee and Therese Mothershead John and Beverly Tarr Steve and Christina Doerfler Sara and Kevin Hurley Phyllis Mueller John and Lee Taylor Richard L. Dougherty Mike and Penny Hutcheson John and Gail Nackel Robert Thorell Josh and Heather Drake Randolph Huteson Teresa B. Nally Grace Tiessen and Margaret Frank and Marianne Dryden Frank and Elizabeth Huttinger Donald Neal Edmondson Thomas R. and Margaret Ann Dunn Josey Iannotti and Reno Yu David Nelson and Michele Montllor Danzey Treanor David and Rebecca Ebershoff Philip and Barbara Ito Mei-Lee Ney Frank Uchalik Carol Anne Econn John and Carol Jacobsen Don and Judy Nollar Michael and Melissa Udell Sally English Carlos and Joan Javelera Ali Miguel O’Brein Jim Ukropina Tim Everett and Jeannette Liu Paul and Missy Jennings Kathleen O’Kane and Cheryl Groves Pete and Joan Ulyatt Lowry and Randy Ewig Dr. and Mrs. Jeyaranjan Dennis and Linda O’Leary Bill and Jaine Urban Douglas and Margaret Ewing Ron and Jerri Johnson Jacquie Ochoa-Rosellini Virginia Uribe and Gail Rolf Chip Fairchild Phil and Marilyn Jordan Kristin Ockershauser Nancy Van den Hout George and Jami Falardeau Mary Lou Judson Curtine Olsen Jim and Gail Vernon Carmen Farmer Junior Blind of America Omega Management Services Paul and Charlene Vert Pat and Kathy Feely Peter and Joan Kaplanis Itsuko Ota Carole Walker Ray and Sydney Feeney Marker and Marvelle Karahadian Anne Otter Paul and Elizabeth Walker Edward and Molly Fehrenbacher Laila Karme, M.D. Tom and Cheryl Palfrey Robert Walp Rafael and Racquel Fineza Mr. and Mrs. John A. Karoly Linda Eliana Paquette Thomas and Maritia Walper Michael and Barbara Finkenbinder James Kendall Francis and Jeanette Park Jim and Robin Walther Robert M. and Janet S. Fitzgerald Bill and Priscilla Kennedy Pasadena Heritage Lily L. Wang Kathleen Fitzpatrick Nathaniel and Deborah Kirtman Ken and Sharon Pelton Paul Watson John and Ruth Fleck Bob and Judy Kloner Chris and Jean Pisano Barbara Way Mrs. Dawn Suttle Forkner Ryan and Alison Knoll John and Barbara Poer Maria Low Way James and Jane Fox Patricia Korbel Dr. Vance and Maureen Polich Alex and Katie Wei Tom and Louise Fox Henry Krajewski Stuart and Kimberly Posin Jeff and Stacy Weiss Larry Frampton Terry and Teresa Krupczak David and Laura Quigg Lawrence S. Westfall Susan Frank Carolyn Kunin Bill and Christy Rakow J. Patrick Whaley and Lynda Jenner Kittie Frantz Hiroko and Sidney Kunitake Diana Raney Cyndia Wheeler Howden and Joan Fraser Coralie Kupfer David and Bonnie Reed Russ and Sally White Carl and Shirin Friedlander David Farah and Stuart Landau Robert J. Riewerts and Susan J. Regas Edgar and Peggy Whitmore Katherine Gabel and Eunice Shatz Josh and Nancy Leichter Brent and Carla Riggs Wild Burro Rescue and Lynn Caffrey Gabriel, OD John and Sue Leisner Enrique Romero and Preservation Project Judy Gain Celia Lemon Minerva Zermeno Susan S. Wilson Jim and Priscilla Gamb Ethan and Joanne Lipsig Marsha V. Rood The Wilson Family Ryan George and Asma Saraj Yvonne Llewellyn Janet Rose Warren and Kathy Wimmer Tom Gertmenian Donald F. Lomas Rose Bowl Operating Company Robert W. Winter Bob and Esme Gibson Sam Losh Virginia Rose Tim and Kris Winter Jim and Priscilla Gilliam Fang Ken Lu Daniel Rothenberg Elsbeth Wittler Kenneth and Patricia Glazier Robert and Susan Lyddon John and Thelma Rotonde Phelps and Athena Wood Barrie and Hannah Godwin Robert Mackin Jerry Ruiz William and Rebecca Woods Avram and Christina Gold Rick and Jennifer Madden Loring Rutt and Ronna Dishnica Barbara Wright Paul and Janet Gordon Douglas and Christine Madsen Hector and Ingrid Sanchez Beckie Yon Ricard and Maria Grant Jane Mallary Michael Sanchez Joseph and Alice Yuen Joyce Greif Bob and Marvine Malouf Michael and Cynthia Scannell Mr. and Mrs. Heinz Zaiser James Griesgraber and Patricia Grant Richard T. Mandeville John and Ann Scheid Dale and Laurie Zeh Jim Gruettner Tom Marble Bill and Sharon Schlarb Stanley Zerne

The News 8 Fall 2017 The News 9 Fall 2017 LAND USE / PLANNING

City Council appoints task force to envision Civic Center future

By Vince Farhat Director, WPRA fter rejecting a plan to redevelop the historic YWCA building with a 181- A room Kimpton hotel, City Council formed a community task force to focus on the future development of Pasadena’s Civic Center, including rehabilitation and development of Excerpt from “Report on a Plan for the City of Pasadena, California” by Bennett, Parsons & Frost, 1925. the YWCA site, and appointed the following to serve on the task force: Transportation Advisory Commission: overall needs of the Civic Center as well Mayor’s appointees: Blair Miller as development of individual sites as they Andrea Rawlings and Vince Farhat Pasadena Heritage: Claire Bogaard relate to parking and loading; Council District 1 (Hampton): Downtown Pasadena Neighborhood Public accessibility: Identifying the Raphael Henderson Association: John Byrum appropriate locations and amount of public space and the accessibility or public Council District 2 (McAustin): Chris Peck According to staff reports, the task force’s spaces within the area; and Council District 3 (Kennedy): Joel Bryant scope of review will include the following land Public improvements: Including use and design issues: Council District 4 (Masuda): landscape and hardscape improvements, Lambert M. Giessinger Allowed uses: Reviewing all desired revisions to streets, sidewalks, and other Council District 5 (Gordo): land uses for the area, both public areas including Centennial Plaza. Cecilia Estolano and private; The Civic Center has been the focus of Council District 6 (Madison): Building envelope: Identification community planning efforts dating back to Wendy Cobleigh of key development standards, including the adoption of the Bennett Plan in 1925. Council District 7 (Wilson): Gail Price maximum floor area ratio (density), This new task force will launch a new era in Planning Commission: Stephanie DeWolfe maximum heights and appropriate community planning for this vital part of our setbacks; Design Commission: Alan Loomis city. All task force meetings will be open to Parking and loading: Identifying the public and community participation will Historic Preservation Commission: an appropriate range of options for the be crucial to the success of this endeavor. Gary Floyd

Original rendering from the Pasadena Civic Center concept, Bennett, Parsons & Frost.

The News 10 Fall 2017 The News 11 Fall 2017 OPEN SPACE / NATURAL RESOURCES

Excerpt from “Report on a Plan for the City of Pasadena, California” by Bennett, Parsons & Frost, 1925.

Superior Court Judge James Chalfant ordered a stay of all activity related to the County Flood Control District’s massive sediment mining and trucking operation in Hahamongna Watershed Park, shown in this photo. FCD refuses to reduce scale or timing of “Big Dig”

By Bill Christian other habitat, and in addressing cumulative importantly, FCD has steadfastly refused to Director, WPRA impacts from construction and operation of reconsider any reduction in the scale or timing a future pipeline that would take water from he Los Angeles County Flood Control of an unnecessarily massive project that will Devil’s Gate Dam to Eaton Canyon (styled the District (FCD) has circulated revisions require perhaps 400 tandem truck round trips “Devil’s Gate Water Conservation Project”). Tto the Environmental Impact Report per day for four of five years, deteriorating air quality and clogging traffic in surrounding (EIR) for the Devil’s Gate Dam sediment Unfortunately, apart from finally committing neighborhoods and schools, precluding most removal project, often referred to as the to using heavy-duty diesel trucks that, at the recreational use and destroying regionally “Big Dig.” very least, meet or exceed the 2010 emission critical wildlife habitat. standards, FCD’s revision circumvented any As previously reported, after a successful significant changes to its former plan. challenge filed by the Pasadena Audubon and A much less destructive plan approved by the City of Pasadena, but totally ignored by FCD, the Arroyo Seco Foundation, the Superior The FCD refused to provide greater mitigation would regularly remove sediment, yet provide Court found that the EIR was defective in area for proposed destruction of habitat and adequate protection against flood risks. failing to adequately mitigate for the impacts declined to analyze in any detail the Eaton of truck emissions, destruction of riparian and Canyon pipeline route or impact. Most FCD will respond to public comments offered on the revisions, followed by a return filing Public Works recommends replacing purple leaf plum street trees with the court. If the revisions are judged satisfactory, the project will require another To maintain a healthy and sustainable urban forest, the Department of Public Works is certifying vote by the LA County Board recommending to the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee (UFAC) that the Master Street of Supervisors. Tree Plan (MSTP) be amended to replace purple leaf plum trees on S. St. John Avenue between Colorado and Del Mar boulevards, and California and Bellefontaine Street; and on If the project survives unscathed, sediment State Street between Hillside Road and S. Orange Grove Boulevard, and S. Pasadena Avenue removal would start as early as late spring and S. Fair Oaks Ave. The purple leaf plum has generally not performed well because it is 2018. Critical comments to the county drought-sensitive and requires excessive maintenance. The Department recommends that supervisors, especially to District 5 County purple leaf plum tree be replaced with one of three alternatives: crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia Judge Kathryn Barger, would be currently indica), golden trumpet (Handroanthus chrysotrichus) or western redbud (Cercis helpful in favoring alternatives to the FCD occidentalis). For more information about the potential replacement trees, visit selectree. plan, especially on the Pasadena option. calpoly.edu. Also, to express your opinion about which of the replacement trees visit Email her at [email protected] surveymonkey.com/r/SVKJZSV. or call at (213) 974-5555.

The News 10 Fall 2017 The News 11 Fall 2017 EDUCATION

Stand up for San Rafael Elementary’s renovation funding Rafael Elementary

By Kenyon Harbison President, WPRA ver the summer, Pasadena Unified School District was presented by staff Owith a priority list for renovation projects within the District. San Rafael Elementary School was listed as very low on staff’s recommendations list, but at the school board meeting the Board agreed to rethink the list, including San Rafael’s designation. Among other reasons for this, San Rafael is an older school, so certain renovations are necessary to make the school more accessible for persons with disabilities. There are also plans to work on a better parking solution for the school. I attended that Board meeting, as did our Vice President, Avram Gold. One takeaway, for me at least, was that there are a great many projects that require funds, but money is tight, and much of the money from past Max and Sofia Garibaldo, second grade and second year of pre-kindergarten, respectively, are bond measures is already committed to excited by the prospect of another year at San Rafael Elementary. specific projects. As you may know, when the prior PUSD administration elected to close San Rafael (which decision was eventually unwound), bond money that would have been committed at that time to San Rafael was committed elsewhere, unfortunately with the support of some within our community. It is important for the neighborhood to fight to make sure that San Rafael receives as much of its share of the pie as is reasonable and possible. In part, the tightness of money within the District is the result of the fact that although the state recently provided more money to local districts with its right hand (increased direct budgeted funding), it took money Nichelle and Danielle Walker, fifth and third Alexia Rassman marks the first day of graders, respectively, celebrate the first day kindergarten at San Rafael Elementary. away with its left (increased local district of school with San Rafael Elementary School assessments for retirement costs). Based on Principal Rudy Ramirez. recent reports about additional budgeted funding for local school districts, one may Personal notes: infer that schools will now be better funded. This newsletter goes to press shortly after Mark your calendars for the San Rafael In reality, the budget situation in most the beginning of another school year Elementary Fall Festival, which is on the districts is likely to deteriorate over the next at San Rafael Elementary. My son has afternoon of Saturday, October 28. A few years. In nearby school districts, where begun kindergarten there, with the same pumpkin patch will open starting the week voters have supported a parcel tax, the kindergarten teacher my daughter had, and before the Fall Festival. Proceeds of the local schools are less susceptible to, and are my daughter is in fifth grade. The school pumpkin sales go to the school. Also, this cushioned against, the vagaries of Sacramento has a new art teacher, who is certified and year the school musical will be Disney’s policymaking and revenues; but that is not the who lives in the neighborhood, as well as a “The Lion King Junior,” which will be case in Pasadena. new dedicated art studio. staged next May 10 through 12.

The News 12 Fall 2017 The News 13 Fall 2017 EDUCATION READ ON

‘Reclaim the stubland, re-establish lost…benefits’ Continued from page 1

A positive vision for the stub future Two workshops were held in the fall of 2014. CPP’s “complete street” vision — a roadway Meanwhile, in Pasadena, in a resident’s living Following the second, participants had for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and room, the seed for a different approach was determined one possible concept: Replace the transit riders as well as a park, shops and planted when someone asked, “Has anyone stub with an elegant Pasadena boulevard to businesses, and residences — was looked ever done any work to show what could disperse and balance the traffic, and revitalize upon as a good example to emulate for the replace the stub?” this “dead space” with parks and structures south terminus. that would provide economic and social value A steering committee was formed in May 2014 and create a beautiful new place in the city. Metro yields by turning away to take a different approach to the divisive from tunnel option ditch. The group named their endeavor the City charges working It appears that CPP’s goal to reclaim the Connecting Pasadena Project (CPP). Its group to study issues “stubland,” rebuild the urban fabric, and mission: reclaim the land, reconnect Pasadena Concurrently, then-Mayor Bill Bogaard restore the economic and social activity that by restoring the pattern of city streets and appointed a citizen panel, the Pasadena was destroyed is one step closer to realization. replacing the stub highway with homes, Alternative Working Group, to devise a In May of this year the Metro board voted businesses, parks, trees — everything that had Pasadena Preferred Alternative to Metro’s to shelve the proposed tunnel, adopt the been destroyed and taken away from the city tunnel vision. The CPP created a report and Transportation Systems Management (TSM) decades ago. submitted it to that group in December 2014. alternative as the preferred local option and, In April 2015, City Council voted to oppose the finally, transfer money earmarked for the Digging in to find that future tunnel and unanimously approve the Pasadena tunnel to other projects. The steering committee approached the Preferred Alternative. CPP was an important Now that the 710 tunnel project appears to be on project in “the Pasadena way.” It recruited component of that prefered alternative. Pasadena architect Stefanos Polyzoides life support, the City of Pasadena hopes to build to guide it and invited fellow residents Simultaneously, five area cities — South on the good work of the CPP. Stay tuned for more to participate in workshops to plan the Pasadena, Pasadena, Glendale, La Cañada on this vital effort to reclaim the land and re- transformation of the ditch. With the help of Flintridge and Sierra Madre — formed a establish the economic, social and transportation experts in the disciplines of transportation, coalition, Beyond the 710. This coalition benefits lost when the land was seized. searched for a practical vision for alternatives architecture, economics, civil engineering, For more information, visit the CPP website that would solve transportation problems in and landscape architecture, engaged citizens at connectingpasadena.com sat at tables to consider appropriate uses and the 710 corridor. densities for the “stubland.”

For the past two years Caltrans has piled crushed stone and The two CPP workshops that were convened in 2014 charged attendees with concrete high — while generating dirt, dust, noise and visual re-imagining and transforming the ditch. What came from those meetings blight — within the Pasadena end of the 710 stub. The batch plant were practical ideas of how to reclaim the land and reconnect Pasadena then trucks those materials for use elsewhere to serve as roadbed. by restoring the pattern of city streets and replacing the stub highway with (Photo by Chuck Hudson) homes, businesses, parks, trees — everything that had been destroyed and taken away from the city decades ago. (Photo by Chuck Hudson)

The News 12 Fall 2017 The News 13 Fall 2017 COMMUNITY

Opinion: whither OneArroyo?

By Bill Christian become OneArroyo. From the headwaters in where to find funds, whether from grants Director, WPRA the north to the tributaries in the south, its or by diverting money from other income natural habitats, resources, and historic sites sources of the CIty, is critical, and an issue s Mic Hansen has explained in will be preserved, enhanced, and connected on which the AAG needs ideas and public the article on page 6, the City of by an extraordinary end-to-end trail system, guidance. Pasadena, led by Mayor Terry A all anchored by a central hub.” Tornek, has commissioned a new look at the The momentum to improve, restore Arroyo Seco, focused, in part, on bringing Beyond trails, a plethora of Arroyo restoration and better manage the Arroyo has been together activities and governance of the three and improvement proposals exists. For mounting. Absent strong public support and traditionally separated Pasadena segments example, an often-mentioned, highly favored involvement, a risk exists that the project will of the Arroyo. The Arroyo Advisory Group project is the restoration of the arroyo stream, meet the fate of several previous efforts. The (AAG), a select set of Pasadena’s leading renaturalizing the streambed by removing time to express our views about what should citizens, has begun work, laying out a vision, additional segments of the concrete channel. be the future of Pasadena’s most beautiful and soliciting views of the public, and exploring Unfortunately, locating funding for that unique natural asset is now. potential projects and funding sources. project – and for an array of other backlogged Please take time to express you views to the projects – has been difficult, and perhaps The AAG’s website carries the initial vision AAG, directly or on its website. never more so than in the current era of statement (onearroyo.org): “Pasadena’s great anticipated budget deficits. The question of outdoor space, the historic Arroyo Seco, will

Caltrans tenants deserve protection Continued from page 3 Pasadena Heritage Continued from page 4 eviction lawsuits on what many believe to be State Sen. Anthony Portantino and his aide, arbitrary grounds, usually targeting elderly Kristi Lopez, have been very helpful, including The simple, functional buildings are not women. Units thereafter will be left vacant, trying to stop the evictions and organizing a architecturally significant, but the history which interrupts rental payments to Caltrans- forum by Caltrans staff at the South Pasadena of the site, closely connected to the Navy Sacramento. Public Library on May 17, 2017. In 2010 complex at China Lake, is certainly deserving former Senator Carol Liu and other legislators With the demise of the 710 project in sight, of recognition. We believe that an acceptable convened a special oversight committee and Caltrans now has a perverse incentive to solution can be found to tell this Cold-War in a hearing questioned Caltrans about the maximize vacancies: If a property is sold story in an interesting and attractive way. 18,000+ Caltrans properties statewide that vacant, Caltrans receives 100% of a high sales will never be highway projects. Task forces guiding key decisions price. But if sold as “affordable,” Caltrans Pasadena Heritage is pleased to have receives a much lower amount. On resale to Next steps tenants, funds above the lower price go to representatives serving on the Civic Center Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty California Housing Finance Agency alone. Task Force to redefine parameters for the future must formally declare in writing that development of the historic former YWCA Caltrans’s-LA office allows units to stay all the properties indeed are “surplus.” building and adjacent property, and on a new vacant with no rent being paid, putting He must take firm measures to rein in working group for the Colorado Street Bridge entire neighborhoods in danger from blight, the rogue actions of Caltrans’ LA office to study potential changes to better address vermin, transients and fires at empty houses. and instruct the Caltrans accounting suicide prevention. Serving as the voice of Worse, local cities are taking little or no action department in Sacramento to accept all historic preservation, Board member Claire to keep the houses up to code and protect rent payments from tenants, ending the Bogaard is serving on both groups and I am neighborhoods, despite being empowered to heartless evictions. on the Colorado Street Bridge group and the do so by State housing law since 2002. Local city councils need to pass resolutions Arroyo Advisory Council. Tenants and have appeared repeatedly at directed at Dougherty on all these issues. Pasadena and South Pasadena city councils The cities should instruct their code asking for action, but so far the city councils enforcers and attorneys to pursue Caltrans have made few efforts to protect the tenants by administrative means, litigation and or the surrounding neighborhoods from prosecution. Otherwise, Caltrans will Caltrans’ willful neglect or to ensure that continue to ignore state law and endanger tenants, having endured Caltrans abuse, are public safety. finally able to purchase their homes.

The News 14 Fall 2017 The News 15 Fall 2017 COMMUNITY

An early postcard from the Millionaires’ Row era of South Orange Grove. South Orange Grove Avenue: “Millionaires’ Row”

By Kirk Myers In 1955, Fortnight magazine noted that “there “When people come to Pasadena, 40-50-60 Assistant Archivist was a day when South Orange Grove Avenue years after the heyday of the Millionaires’ Pasadena Museum of History was the showplace of Southern California … Row influence, they still ask to see South and its mailboxes read like Dun & Bradstreet. Orange Grove. And it is there for them to nown as “Millionaires’ Row” since Here lived the Wrigley of Wrigley’s Gum; the enjoy. It is a part of town that has long meant the turn of the nineteenth century, Libby of Libby, McNeil & Libby; the Warner much to Pasadena – visually, financially and KSouth Orange Grove Avenue, between of Borg-Warner; the Cravens of Liggett- historically.” Colorado Boulevard and Columbia Street, Myers Tobacco; the Harkness of Standard Oil. The Pasadena Museum of History is located made quite an impression on early visitors. Without a doubt it represented – at least in at the corner of Orange Grove Boulevard and the wintertime – the greatest concentration of In January 1952, Irving Stone wrote in Holiday Walnut Street (470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena wealth in Western America.” magazine that: 91103); free parking in the Museum lot. The “In 1919, when my family moved to Los After a zoning change in 1948, “Millionaires’ Research Library & Archives are open to the Angeles from San Francisco, it was considered Row” became a street lined with apartments public free of charge Thursdays-Sundays from an interesting all-day outing to ride over in our and condominiums. But the memory of its 1-4 pm. For additional information, please visit Model T Ford to gaze in awe at the fifty-two golden age lingered. ThePasadena Star-News the Museum’s website, pasadenahistory.org, or adjoining mansions on Orange Grove Avenue.” reported in 1969: call (626) 577-1660, ext. 10. Russ Leadabrand of the Pasadena Star-News echoed the sentiment: “It was a pleasure to go for a ride on Sunday afternoon along the thoroughfare of mansions, anchored like ornate, towering battleships, decorated like fancy cakes, make-believe stuff, an avenue of dreams, dreams of millionaires.” In 1916 the Los Angeles Times praised it as “the most beautiful residence street in the world, lined with the homes of some of the country’s wealthiest men and women.” The Los Angeles Daily News in 1947 described South Orange Grove as “a major Pasadena institution – the most famous and historic 10 blocks of residences in the whole western part A postcard of the Busch, Fleming and Lowe homes on South Orange Grove, showing some of of the United States.” the spacious lawns that helped make the street so visually appealing.

The News 14 Fall 2017 The News 15 Fall 2017 WEST PASADENA NON-PROFIT ORG. RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION U.S. POSTAGE Post Office Box 50252 PAID Pasadena, CA 91115-0252 PASADENA, CA Visit our website @ wpra.net PERMIT #1105

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Police Department Pasadena Emergency...... 9-1-1 Los Angeles Pasadena Crime Stoppers...... (800) 222-8477 Mayor Terry Tornek LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger Non-Emergency...... (626) 744-4241 [email protected] (District 5): (213) 974-5555 City Services Steve Mermell, City Manager [email protected] California Full listing of City phone numbers: cityofpasadena.net/directory Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez Governor Jerry Brown [email protected] (916) 445-2841 City Clerk Mark Jomsky Senator Anthony Portantino [email protected] (D-25): (916) 651-4025 Tyron Hampton, Council District 1 [email protected] Assemblymember: Chris Holden (D-41): (916) 319-2041 Margaret McAustin, Council District 2 One Call to City Hall [email protected] United States John Kennedy, Council District 3 626.744.7311 President Donald J. Trump [email protected] (202) 456-1111 Submit Service Requests – Get Answers Gene Masuda, Council District 4 Senator Dianne Feinstein Call Center Hours of Operation: (vice mayor) (202) 224-3841 Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. [email protected] Senator Kamala Harris Victor Gordo, Council District 5 (202) 224-3553 Download the SCS App! [email protected] Representative Judy Chu Steve Madison, Council District 6 (D-27): (202) 225-5464 [email protected] Representative Adam Schiff Andy Wilson, Council District 7 (D-28): (202) 225-4176 [email protected]

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The News 16 Fall 2017 The News PB Fall 2017